Durable/Cleanable Coating Technologies Program, Developmental Activities
Abstract
The U.S. Air Force is interested in obtaining aircraft coatings that exhibit superior performance properties when compared to currently available coating systems. The current technology uses low gloss, polyurethane coatings to provide color and environmental protection for its aircraft. These topcoats must maintain their low gloss and color properties after years of environmental exposure. Two characteristics, namely durability and cleanability, have been difficult to achieve in commercially available coatings. The three Task E vendors did not achieve significant improvements in durability or cleanability as desired. At the end of their approximately 6-month research and development efforts, which was cut slightly short due to budget constraints, only Hentzen coatings prepared a product that performed marginally better than other formulations submitted for characterization at Battelle Columbus. It is possible that better formulations may have been achieved if additional time was provided to the vendors. USM reported that, if they had been able to develop the coating system based on fluoropolymer technology, significant improvements may have been achieved. Likewise, Hart Polymers felt that had they been allowed additional time for research, color, gloss and solvent resistance issues would have been resolved.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA377602
Entities
People
- Gary W. Chiles
- Janice Van Mullem
Organizations
- Leidos